JPWO2015151510A1 - POS terminal, POS system, and POS terminal control method - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a POS terminal, a POS system, and a POS terminal control method capable of adding and changing a payment function including an electronic payment function at a low cost. The POS terminal 1 according to the present invention is disposed at a first address, a first operation unit 110 that operates a first settlement application 53a that performs a settlement process, and a second settlement application that is disposed at a second address. The second operation unit 120 that operates 53b, the third operation unit 130 that operates the POS application 52 that performs accounting processing, the storage unit 150 that stores the first address and the second address, and the third operation unit 130 are operated. The transmission / reception unit 160 transmits the accounting processing result of the POS application 52 to the first address or the second address.

Description

The present invention relates to a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, a POS system, and a POS terminal control method.
Furthermore, the present invention includes a terminal that generates a command as a POS terminal, a control device that is connected to the terminal and controls input / output of data, and a device that is connected to the control device and inputs or outputs data. The present invention relates to a data communication system as a POS system and a control method of the data communication system.

  As this type of technology, for example, Patent Literature 1 has been proposed. Patent Document 1 describes a POS system including a tablet terminal that functions as a POS terminal, an input device that reads a product barcode or a customer membership card, and a printer connected to the tablet terminal and the input device. Yes. The tablet terminal is configured to operate a POS application on a Web browser.

JP 2013-186488 A

By the way, when an electronic payment function (such as a credit card payment function or an electronic money payment function) is added to the POS system described in Patent Document 1, an API that controls CAT (Credit Authorization Terminal) and R / W (Reader Writer). (Application Programming Interface) needs to be incorporated into the POS application. That is, although the electronic payment function is desired to be introduced, the basic POS application must be significantly modified, which increases the introduction cost. In addition, when a provider providing an electronic payment service is added or changed, in the conventional configuration, the POS application must be modified each time. Of course, it is conceivable to replace the POS application to correspond to the new service, but the POS application is often customized for each customer (POS system introduction store), and it is difficult to simply replace it.
In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, each of the above devices is connected to the first printer, and a card reader for electronic payment (credit card payment or electronic money payment) is connected to the second printer. If the terminal is connected to the first printer, the card reader connected to the second printer must be reconnected to the first printer. Of course, all devices including a card reader can be connected to the first printer. However, since there is a problem with the number of interfaces, it is currently necessary to divide the functions for each printer.
It is also possible to connect the terminal, the first printer, and the second printer to the network so that commands can be sent from the terminal to the second printer, but the POS application installed on the terminal must be modified. It must be costly.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a POS terminal, a POS system, and a POS terminal control method capable of realizing addition and change of a payment function including an electronic payment function at a low cost.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a data communication system and a control method for the data communication system that can use a device connected to two or more control devices in one terminal without requiring significant modification of the POS application. This is the issue.

  The POS terminal of the present invention includes an operation unit that operates a POS application that performs accounting processing and a first application that is disposed at a first address and performs first settlement processing, and a memory that stores the first address. And a transmission unit for transmitting the accounting process result of the POS application to the first address.

  In the POS terminal, the operation unit operates a second application that is disposed at the second address and performs a second settlement process different from the first application, and the storage unit operates at the second address. And the transmission unit transmits the accounting processing result of the POS application to the first address or the second address.

  According to the POS terminal control method of the present invention, a POS application that performs accounting processing is operated, and the accounting processing result of the POS application is transmitted to the first address where the first application is arranged. When the result is transmitted to the first address, the first settlement process is performed by the first application.

  In the above POS terminal control method, the accounting processing result of the POS application is transmitted to the second address where the second application is arranged, and the accounting processing result of the POS application is transmitted to the second address. The second settlement process is performed by the second application.

According to the configuration of the present invention, in addition to the POS application, there is an application that performs a payment process, so that it is not necessary to significantly modify the POS application with the addition of a payment function (for example, an electronic payment function). Thereby, introduction of a payment function is realizable at low cost. In addition, there are two types of applications as applications for settlement processing, and when accounting processing is performed by the POS application, two types of settlement processing are executed in order to transmit the accounting processing result to one of the applications. Can do. As a result, even when the payment function is changed (for example, change of the provider that provides the electronic payment service), only the change of the application for performing the payment processing with the storage unit is performed without significantly changing the POS application. It can be easily handled.
The “accounting process” by the POS application refers to acquisition of merchandise information, calculation of the accounting amount, cash settlement, settlement instruction to the first application or the second application, accounting receipt printing instruction, and the like.
The “settlement process (first settlement process or second settlement process)” by the first application or the second application is a process for receiving an accounting process result (accounting amount, etc.) from the POS application and performing the accounting process. Refers to the settlement process based on the result. For example, when the settlement method is point settlement, calculation of the remaining points, rewriting of the number of points, and the like are included.
Moreover, it is good also as a structure which has not only 2 types of applications but 3 or more types of applications as an application which performs a payment process. In this case, the storage unit may store three or more types of addresses corresponding to three or more types of applications.

  In the POS terminal, the first application and the second application perform a payment process related to electronic payment, the first application transmits data to the first electronic payment server, and the second application The data is transmitted to the electronic settlement server 2.

According to the configuration of the present invention, the addition and change of the electronic payment function can be realized at low cost.
In this case, the “payment process” by the first application or the second application is a command for sending electronic payment information (including data read by CAT or R / W) to the electronic payment server, an electronic payment server The processing based on the settlement execution result (including notification to the POS application and retry processing).

  The POS terminal includes a selection unit that selects the first payment process or the second payment process, and the transmission unit displays the payment result of the POS application according to the selection result of the selection unit as the first address. Or, it is transmitted to the second address.

According to the configuration of the present invention, a settlement method (first settlement process or second settlement process) can be selected according to a customer's wish.
The “settlement method” refers to point settlement, check settlement, etc. in addition to electronic settlement including credit card settlement and electronic money settlement.

  In the POS terminal, the first settlement process performed by the first application is a credit card settlement process, and the second settlement process performed by the second application is an electronic money settlement process. It is characterized by.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the addition / change of the credit card payment function or the electronic money payment function (including the addition / change of the provider providing the electronic payment service) can be realized at low cost.

  The POS system of the present invention includes an operation unit that operates a POS application that performs an accounting process and a first application that is disposed at a first address and performs a first settlement process, and a storage unit that stores a first address A POS terminal having a transmission unit for transmitting the settlement result of the POS application operated by the operation unit to the first address, a device for reading information, a control device connected to the device and the POS terminal, and a connection to the control device. And a first electronic settlement server that receives data based on the first settlement processing in the first application via the control device.

  In the POS system, the operation unit operates a second application that is disposed at the second address and performs a second settlement process different from the first application, and the storage unit performs the second operation. The address is stored, and the transmission unit transmits the settlement result of the POS application operated in the operation unit to the first address or the second address, connects to the control device, and performs the second settlement in the second application. A second electronic settlement server that receives data based on processing via a control device is provided.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, in addition to the POS application, there is an application that performs a payment process with the electronic payment server. Therefore, it is not necessary to significantly change the POS application in accordance with the addition of the electronic payment function. Introduction of functions can be realized at low cost. In addition, since there are two types of applications for performing payment processing, even when the electronic payment function is changed, it is easy to change the application that performs payment processing with the storage unit without significantly changing the POS application. Can respond. In addition, since the control device is interposed between the device that reads data and the POS terminal, communication is possible even in a configuration in which the device cannot be directly connected to the POS terminal, such as when a tablet terminal is used as the POS terminal. Can do. In addition, since the device is connected to the control device, it can take advantage of the portability of the tablet terminal by connecting the control device and the terminal by wireless communication, or by allowing extra cable length even in the case of wired connection. be able to.

  The data communication system of the present invention is connected to a first control device that controls data input / output, a second control device that controls data input / output, and a second control device, and inputs or outputs data. A command generation unit that generates a command, a setting unit that sets a transmission destination in the command to the first control device or the second control device, and a command based on the transmission destination information set in the setting unit And a terminal having a communication unit that transmits to the first control device or the second control device.

  In the control method of the data communication system of the present invention, the command transmission destination is set and stored in either the first control device or the second control device connected to the device for inputting or outputting data. When the command is generated, the first control device or the second control device is determined as the transmission destination based on the stored command transmission destination information, and the generated command is transmitted to the determined transmission destination. It is characterized by.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, since the transmission destination is set in the first control device or the second control device in the command, the contents of the command are not specified every time the command is generated. A command can be sent to a control device suitable for (function). For example, when a predetermined command is generated by the terminal in a situation where the terminal, the first control device, and the second control device connected to the device are connected to the network, the predetermined command is set in advance. You can send commands to other destinations. Thus, a device (including a device connected to the second control device) connected to two or more control devices at one terminal can be used without requiring significant modification of the POS application.

  In the data communication system, the first control device preferably includes a printing unit that performs printing.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the printer can be used as the first control device, and the printing unit can be operated from the terminal.

  In the data communication system, it is preferable that the second control device transmits processing data obtained by processing data input from the device to the terminal, and the command generation unit of the terminal generates a command based on the processing data. .

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the terminal inputs data from a device connected to the second control apparatus, and based on the data, the terminal connects the first control apparatus or the device connected to the first control apparatus. Can be used.

  In the data communication system, the command generated based on the processing data is a print command, and the communication unit of the terminal preferably transmits the print command to the first control device.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the terminal can operate the printing unit based on data input from a device connected to the second control apparatus.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, in addition to the POS application, the application for performing the payment process is included, so that it is not necessary to significantly change the POS application with the addition of the payment function. Thereby, introduction of a payment function is realizable at low cost.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a POS system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of the POS system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the POS system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a screen transition figure of the tablet terminal concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the accounting process by the side of the tablet terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the accounting process by the printer device side which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a system configuration figure of the POS system concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of the POS system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the POS system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the accounting process by the POS system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a POS terminal, a POS system, and a POS terminal control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the POS system SY1. The POS system SY1 includes a tablet terminal 1 (POS terminal) operated by a store clerk, a printer 2 (control device) connected to the tablet terminal 1 via wireless communication, and an electronic device connected to the printer 2 via a network NW. A payment server 3 (3a, 3b), a card reader 4 (device) such as CAT 4a or R / W 4b connected to the printer 2, a customer display 5, a barcode scanner 6, and a cash drawer 7 are provided. The card reader 4, the customer display 5, the barcode scanner 6, the cash drawer 7, and the like are collectively referred to as peripheral devices.

  The tablet terminal 1 includes a terminal control mechanism 11, a touch panel 12, and an interface 13 (shown as “I / F” in the figure). The terminal control mechanism 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the tablet terminal 1.

  The touch panel 12 is a touch sensor with a display function, and is used for displaying various information such as input product information and settlement processing results and various operations. The interface 13 supports wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, and transmits and receives data to and from the interface 23 of the printer 2. The tablet terminal 1 and the printer 2 may be configured to perform wireless communication via an access point (not shown).

  The printer 2 includes interfaces 23, 24, and 25 in addition to the printer control mechanism 21 and the printer unit 22. The printer control mechanism 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and controls the printer 2. The printer unit 22 includes a print head, a paper transport mechanism, and a paper cutting mechanism, and performs printing on receipt paper.

  The interface 23 performs unrelated communication with the tablet terminal 1. The interface 25 performs wired / wireless communication with the peripheral devices 4, 5, 6, and 7. The interface 24 communicates with the electronic payment server 3 via a network NW such as the Internet. In the first embodiment, the electronic payment server 3 communicates with a “first electronic payment server 3a” for credit card payment and a “second electronic payment server 3b” for electronic money payment.

  The first electronic payment server 3a receives, as “electronic payment”, electronic payment information including an accounting amount and credit information (card number, expiration date, etc.), credit card authentication, security measure processing, accounting amount settlement, and settlement. Notification of execution results, etc. The second electronic settlement server 3b receives, as “electronic settlement”, electronic settlement information including an accounting amount and electronic money information (electronic money ID, balance, etc.), authentication of electronic money, security countermeasure processing, and balance update processing. , Notification of payment execution results, etc.

  The card reader 4 includes a CAT 4a for credit cards and an R / W 4b for electronic money. These read data of a credit card or electronic money (hereinafter collectively referred to as “electronic payment medium”) and output the data to the printer 2. The R / W 4b can read not only a card-like medium but also an electronic money wireless IC incorporated in a mobile phone or the like.

  The customer display 5 displays information to be presented to the customer (product name, accounting amount, etc.). The barcode scanner 6 reads a product barcode attached or printed on the product. The cash drawer 7 is configured to store banknotes and money and open the drawer when the accounting process ends (in the case of cash settlement).

  Next, the software configuration of the POS system SY1 will be described with reference to FIG. The tablet terminal 1 is in a state in which an OS 51 (Operating System), a POS application 52 and a payment application 53 (53a, 53b) operating on the OS 51 are installed as main software. The terminal control mechanism 11 of FIG. 1 mainly operates based on these software 51, 52, and 53.

  The POS application 52 is an application that performs accounting processing. Here, “accounting processing” refers to acquisition of product information (product barcode, quantity, etc.), calculation of accounting amount, cash settlement, electronic settlement instruction to settlement application 53, printing instruction for accounting receipt, and the like. The POS application 52 is customized depending on the store. For example, the display format of the display screen displayed on the tablet terminal 1, the printing format of the accounting receipt, the store logo printed on the accounting receipt, the display items on the customer display 5, and the like are customized.

  On the other hand, as the payment application 53, a first payment application 53a (first application) for performing credit card payment processing (first payment processing) and a first payment processing (second payment processing) for electronic money. 2 The settlement application 53b (second application) is installed. Here, the “settlement process” refers to a command based on an electronic settlement information transmission command to the electronic settlement server 3, a process based on a settlement execution result of the electronic settlement server 3 (including notification to the POS application 52 and a retry process). The payment application 53 is not customized for each store but is used for general purposes.

  The printer 2 is in a state in which the ePOS device 61 and the electronic settlement control module 62 are incorporated. The printer control mechanism 21 in FIG. 1 mainly operates based on these.

  The ePOS device 61 generates device control objects corresponding to the peripheral devices 4, 5, 6, 7 and the printer unit 22 based on commands from the POS application 52 and the payment application 53, and controls them. For example, based on a display command from the POS application 52, control for displaying a product name or the like on the customer display 5, control for transmitting the reading result of the barcode scanner 6 to the POS application 52, and based on a drawer open command from the POS application 52 Control for opening the drawer of the cash drawer 7 and control for operating the printer unit 22 based on a print command from the POS application 52 are performed. Further, when the ePOS device 61 receives a payment processing start command from the payment application 53, the ePOS device 61 transfers this to the electronic payment control module 62.

  The electronic settlement control module 62 is a module incorporated for the purpose of controlling the card reader 4 (CAT 4a and R / W 4b). For example, when a payment processing start command is transferred from the ePOS device 61, the card reader 4 is set in a readable state, and data reading by the card reader 4 is awaited. It also supports multiple electronic payment media (credit cards and electronic money) and absorbs the differences in their brands.

  The electronic payment control module 62 performs communication control with the electronic payment server 3 (the first electronic payment server 3a and the second electronic payment server 3b). Specifically, the electronic payment information including the data read by the card reader 4 and the payment amount received from the payment application 53 is transmitted to the electronic payment server 3. Thereafter, when payment is normally completed in the electronic payment server 3, an LED (not shown) of the card reader 4 is turned on to display a card evacuation permission display, or a payment completion notification is sent to the payment application 53 via the ePOS device 61. Or control such as. If payment cannot be completed normally by the electronic payment server 3, the LED of the card reader 4 blinks to display an error, or an error is displayed on the payment application 53 via the ePOS device 61 (to the touch panel 12. Display) and control such as. In this way, by incorporating an electronic payment module, when an electronic payment service is added or changed, it is possible to respond by simply replacing the electronic payment control module 62 (without requiring replacement of the printer 2 itself). Can do.

  Next, the functional configuration of the POS system SY1 will be described with reference to FIG. The tablet terminal 1 includes a first operation unit 110, a second operation unit 120, a third operation unit 130, a selection unit 140, a storage unit 150, and a transmission / reception unit 160 (transmission unit) as main functional configurations. The operation unit of the present invention includes a first operation unit 110, a second operation unit 120, and a third operation unit 130.

  The first operation unit 110 operates the first payment application 53 a and performs communication with the first electronic payment server 3 a via the printer 2. Similarly, the second operation unit 120 operates the second payment application 53b and performs communication with the second electronic payment server 3b via the printer 2. In addition, the third operation unit 130 operates the POS application 52 and transmits a print command for printing the accounting receipt to the printer 2.

  The first operation unit 110, the second operation unit 120, and the third operation unit 130 perform switching processing so that the plurality of applications 52, 53a, and 53b are not simultaneously activated. For example, when electronic payment is selected as the payment method during the accounting process of the POS application 52, the corresponding first payment application 53a and second payment application 53b (also referred to as payment applications 53a and 53b) are activated, and the POS application 52 is ended (becomes a sleep or sleep state). Further, when the POS application 52 is activated from the payment application 53 and the payment processing result is notified, the payment application 53 is terminated (set to a sleep or sleep state).

  The selection unit 140 is realized by the touch panel 12 and selects a settlement method. In the first embodiment, any one of “cash settlement”, “credit card settlement”, and “electronic money settlement” is selected according to a customer's request.

  The storage unit 150 stores a first address where the first settlement application 53a is disposed and a second address where the second settlement application 53b is disposed. The storage unit 150 is realized by a rewritable and nonvolatile storage medium.

  The transmission / reception unit 160 displays the accounting processing result of the POS application 52 operated by the third operation unit 130 according to the selection result of the selection unit 140 as a first address (first settlement application 53a) or a second address ( To the second settlement application 53b). Further, the transmission / reception unit 160 transmits a payment processing result of a series of payment processing to the POS application 52 based on the payment execution result notified from the electronic payment server 3 to the payment application 53.

  The printer 2 includes a first communication unit 210, a second communication unit 220, a printing unit 230, a credit information input unit 240, and an electronic money information input unit 250 as main functional configurations.

  The first communication unit 210 transmits the accounting processing result received by the first settlement application 53a and the input result of the credit information input unit 240 to the first electronic settlement server 3a, and the settlement execution result of the first electronic settlement server 3a is transmitted. It transmits to the 1st payment application 53a. Further, the second communication unit 220 transmits the accounting processing result received by the second settlement application 53b and the input result of the electronic money information input unit 250 to the second electronic settlement server 3b, and the settlement of the second electronic settlement server 3b. The execution result is transmitted to the second settlement application 53b.

  The printing unit 230 performs printing based on the print command generated by the POS application 52. The credit information input unit 240 inputs data (credit information) read by the CAT 4a. The electronic money information input unit 250 inputs data (electronic money information) read by the R / W 4b.

  The first electronic payment server 3a includes an electronic payment processing unit 310 as a main functional configuration. The electronic payment processing unit 310 performs processing related to “electronic payment” of the credit card described above. Similarly, the second electronic payment server 3b includes an electronic payment processing unit 320 as a main functional configuration. The electronic payment processing unit 320 performs processing related to the above-described “electronic payment” of electronic money.

  The CAT 4a has a credit information reading unit 410 as a main functional configuration. The credit information reading unit 410 reads credit information with a magnetic reader. The R / W 4b includes an electronic money information reading unit 420 as a main functional configuration. The electronic money information reading unit 420 reads electronic money information by short-range wireless communication.

  Next, a screen displayed on the touch panel 12 of the tablet terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, reference symbols D1 and D4 indicate display screens by the POS application 52, and reference symbols D2 and D3 indicate display screens by the first settlement application 53a (in this example, credit card settlement is used as a settlement method). Shall be selected). Hereinafter, the screen transition of the touch panel 12 will be described according to the flow of the accounting process.

  First, as indicated by reference numeral D1, the POS application 52 displays a screen for selecting a payment method when the input of product information to the tablet terminal 1 is completed. Here, in the case of cash settlement, the accounting process is completed by the POS application 52 without starting the settlement application 53 by a predetermined operation of the store clerk (for example, drawer open operation). When the “credit” button 71 or the “electronic money” button 72 is selected as the settlement method, the settlement application 53 is activated and the POS application 52 is terminated. Here, it is assumed that the “credit” button 71 is selected on the screen indicated by the symbol D1. The payment application 53 is activated by designating a predetermined address.

  Further, when the first payment application 53a is activated, the POS application 52 provides information such as the payment amount, the payment method (credit card payment), the designation of the return destination application (POS application 52), and the address of the printer 2 to the first payment application. It transmits to 53a, and after these transmissions, it ends itself.

  Subsequently, the first settlement application 53a performs a display indicated by reference sign D2 based on the information received from the POS application 52. Here, when a credit card is inserted into the CAT 4a, the first payment application 53a executes a payment process (communication with the first electronic payment server 3a), and performs a display indicated by a symbol D3. Here, a display example is shown when the payment process is completed normally.

  When the “Done” button 73 is touched in the display indicated by reference sign D 3, the first settlement application 53 a specifies the address of the POS application 52 and activates the POS application 52. The first payment application 53a transmits the payment processing result to the POS application 52, and then ends itself.

  The POS application 52 performs a display indicated by reference sign D4 based on the payment processing result received from the first payment application 53a. Although not particularly illustrated, the POS application 52 transmits a print command for printing a transaction receipt to the printer 2.

  In addition, although the screen display of the tablet terminal 1 was demonstrated in FIG. 4, you may perform the same display on the customer display 5. FIG. In this case, the customer may select / touch the buttons 71, 72, and 73.

  Next, the flow of accounting processing by the POS system SY1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of accounting processing on the tablet terminal 1 side. When the tablet terminal 1 performs the accounting process by the POS application 52 (S01), the tablet terminal 1 determines the settlement method (S02). When the settlement method is cash settlement (S02: cash), the process proceeds to S08.

  If the payment method is credit card payment (S02: credit card), the first payment application 53a is started (S03), and the payment amount and payment method (credit card payment) are transferred from the first payment application 53a to the printer 2. The information shown is transmitted (S04). Thereafter, when the payment execution result is received from the first electronic payment server 3a via the printer 2 (S05: Yes), the POS application 52 is activated by the first payment application 53a (S06), and the POS application 52 receives the payment execution result. A settlement processing result based on the settlement execution result is transmitted (S07). The POS application 52 generates a print command based on the payment processing result received from the first payment application 53a, and transmits it to the printer 2 (S08).

  On the other hand, if the payment method is electronic money payment (S02: electronic money), the second payment application 53b is activated (S09), and the payment amount and payment method (electronic money payment) are transferred from the second payment application 53b to the printer 2. The information shown is transmitted (S10). Thereafter, when the payment execution result is received from the second electronic payment server 3b via the printer 2 (S11: Yes), the POS application 52 is activated by the second payment application 53b (S12), and is received by the POS application 52. A settlement processing result based on the settlement execution result is transmitted (S13). The POS application 52 generates a print command based on the payment processing result received from the second payment application 53b, and transmits it to the printer 2 (S08).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of accounting processing on the printer / device side including the printer 2 and the card reader 4 (CAT 4a and R / W 4b). When the first settlement application 53a is activated on the tablet terminal 1 (S21: Yes), the printer 2 generates a device object for the CAT 4a by the ePOS device 61 (S22).

  When the device object of the CAT 4a is generated by the printer 2, the CAT 4a becomes usable, and the credit information is read from the credit card inserted into the CAT 4a (S23). Further, the printer 2 transmits electronic payment information including credit information and a payment amount to the first electronic payment server 3a (S24), and receives a payment execution result from the first electronic payment server 3a (S25). Further, the received settlement execution result is transmitted to the tablet terminal 1 (S26).

  Further, when the second settlement application 53b is activated on the tablet terminal 1 (S27: Yes), the printer 2 generates an R / W 4b device object by the ePOS device 61 (S28). Thereafter, when the electronic money information is read from the electronic money medium by the R / W 4b (S29), the electronic payment information including the electronic money information and the payment amount is transmitted to the second electronic payment server 3b (S30). On the other hand, when the payment execution result is received from the second electronic payment server 3b (S31), the payment execution result is transmitted to the tablet terminal 1 (S32).

  In addition, when a print command is transmitted from the tablet terminal 1 (POS application 32) (S33: Yes), the printer 2 generates a device object of the printer unit 22 by the ePOS device 61 (S34), and prints an accounting receipt. (S35).

  In S21 and S27, the printer 2 may monitor the state of the application running on the tablet terminal 1, and may make a determination by detecting the activation of the payment application 53a or 53b, or the payment application 53a or 53b. However, the determination may be performed by transmitting an activation signal to that effect to the printer 2 with its activation.

  As described above, since the tablet terminal 1 according to the first embodiment includes the electronic payment application 53 in addition to the POS application 52, it is not necessary to significantly modify the POS application 52 with the addition of the electronic payment function. . Thereby, introduction of an electronic payment function can be realized at low cost. In the case of the first embodiment, the POS application 52 is modified by adding a “credit” button 71 and an “electronic money” button 72 to the payment screen (see FIG. 4). A function for issuing a start command may be added.

  Moreover, since the tablet terminal 1 of 1st Embodiment has two types of applications 53a and 53b as the payment application 53, it can respond to two types of electronic payment processes. Further, with this configuration, even when a provider that provides an electronic payment service is added or changed, the storage unit 150 and the payment application 53 can be added or changed without significantly modifying the POS application 52.

  Further, since the POS system SY1 of the first embodiment has a configuration in which the printer 2 is interposed between the card reader 4 and the tablet terminal 1, communication is possible even in a configuration in which the tablet terminal 1 cannot directly connect the card reader 4. can do. Further, since the tablet terminal 1 and the printer 2 are connected by wireless communication, the portability of the tablet terminal 1 is not impaired.

  In addition, since the electronic payment server 3, the card reader 4, and other peripheral devices 5, 6, and 7 are connected to the printer 2 and information is input / output by the printer 2, the control load on the tablet terminal 1 can be reduced. In addition, since the tablet terminal 1 performs the switching process between the POS application 52 and the payment applications 53a and 53b, even a terminal having a specification in which a plurality of applications cannot be activated simultaneously is applied as the tablet terminal 1 of the first embodiment. Can do.

  In addition, since a print command is transmitted to the printer 2 using a payment completion notification from the electronic payment servers 3a and 3b to the payment applications 53a and 53b as a trigger, an accounting receipt can be printed without requiring a receipt issuing operation by a store clerk. Can do.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the configuration including the payment applications 53a and 53b corresponding to the electronic payment is exemplified, but the configuration may include a payment application corresponding to a payment method other than the electronic payment. For example, a point payment application corresponding to point payment or a check payment application corresponding to check payment may be considered. In the case of check settlement, it is preferable to perform a check authentication process on the server side, and to perform settlement in the case of authentication OK.

  In the first embodiment, a configuration having two types of payment applications 53a and 53b is illustrated. However, not only two types but also three or more types of payment applications (for example, a point payment application and a check payment application) are included. It is good also as a structure. In this case, the storage unit 150 may store three or more types of addresses corresponding to three or more types of payment applications.

  In the first embodiment, the “control device” of the present invention is realized by the printer 2, but may be realized by a relay device that can be connected to the printer 2 or an interface board that is detachable from the printer 2. In this case, the printer control mechanism 21 and the interfaces 23, 24, and 25 shown in FIG. 1, the ePOS device 61 and the electronic payment control module 62 shown in FIG. 2, the first communication unit 210 and the second communication unit shown in FIG. 220, the credit information input unit 240 and the electronic money information input unit 250 are provided in the relay device or the interface board.

  In the first embodiment, the first payment application 53a corresponds to a credit card payment and the second payment application 53b corresponds to an electronic money payment. However, the first payment application 53a has a first credit connection. The second settlement application 53b may correspond to the second credit connection contractor and the second electronic money connection contractor, corresponding to the contractor and the first electronic money connection contractor. In this case, the selection unit 140 may select a connection provider.

  Further, the selection unit 140 may be configured to select a payment method (credit card payment or electronic money payment) and determine a connection provider according to the card read by the card reader 4. In this case, the POS application 52 activates one of the payment applications 53 in accordance with the selection of electronic payment. Along with this, the CAT 4a and the R / W 4b become usable, and the card information is read. The printer 2 once sends the card information back to the tablet terminal 1 (POS application 52). Thereafter, the POS application 52 activates the payment application 53 corresponding to the card information, and executes the processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 below.

  In the first embodiment, the tablet terminal 1 is controlled using a native application, but may be controlled using a Web application. In this case, the POS application 52 and the payment applications 53a and 53b are provided on a server on the Internet, and the OS 51 is not necessary.

  In the first embodiment, the print command is generated by the POS application 52 and transmitted to the printer 2. However, the print command may be generated by the payment applications 53a and 53b and transmitted to the printer 2. Alternatively, the payment application 53a, 53b may acquire the print command generated by the POS application 52, and the payment application 53a, 53b may transmit the print command to the printer 2.

  Further, each component of the POS system SY1 described above can be provided as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). That is, a program that causes a computer to function as each component of the POS system SY1 and a recording medium that records the program are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, the “terminal” of the present invention is applied to the tablet terminal 1, but may be applied to other information processing terminals. Further, although the “control device” of the present invention is applied to the printer 2, it may be applied to a POS peripheral device other than the printer 2 (for example, a customer display 5). In addition, the “device” of the present invention is applied to the card reader 4 such as the CAT 4a or the R / W 4b, but may be applied to a reader that reads a membership card or a scanner that reads a check. Other modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a data communication system as a POS system according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a control method for the data communication system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the second embodiment, a POS system to which the data communication system of the present invention is applied is exemplified. FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram of the POS system SY2. The POS system SY2 includes a tablet terminal 701 (terminal) operated by a store clerk, a first printer (first control device) 702A and a second printer (second control) connected to the tablet terminal 701 via an in-store LAN 708. Apparatus) 702B and an electronic settlement server 703 connected to the second printer 702B via the Internet 709. The POS system SY2 includes a customer display 705, a barcode scanner 706, and a cash drawer 707 connected to the first printer 702A, and a card reader 704 (device) connected to the second printer 702B. The customer display 705, the barcode scanner 706, the cash drawer 707, and the like are collectively referred to as peripheral devices.

  The tablet terminal 701 includes a terminal control mechanism 711, a touch panel 712, and an interface 713 (shown as “I / F” in the figure). The terminal control mechanism 711 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM), and controls the tablet terminal 701.

  The touch panel 712 is a touch sensor with a display function, and is used for displaying various information such as input product information and settlement processing results and various operations. The interface 713 supports wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, is connected to the in-store LAN 8 via an access point (not shown), and transmits / receives data to / from the interfaces 723 and 733 of the printers 702A and 702B via the in-store LAN 708. I do.

  The first printer 702A includes interfaces 723 and 724 in addition to the printer control mechanism 721 and the printer unit 722. The printer control mechanism 721 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and controls the first printer 702A. The printer unit 722 includes a print head, a paper transport mechanism, and a paper cutting mechanism, and performs printing on receipt paper.

  The interface 723 communicates with the tablet terminal 701 via the in-store LAN 708. The interface 724 performs wired / wireless communication with the peripheral devices 705, 706, and 707.

  The second printer 702 </ b> B includes interfaces 733, 734, and 735 in addition to the printer control mechanism 731 and the printer unit 732. The printer control mechanism 731 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and controls the second printer 702B. The printer unit 732 includes a print head, a paper transport mechanism, and a paper cutting mechanism, and performs printing on receipt paper.

  The interface 733 communicates with the tablet terminal 701 via the in-store LAN 708. The interface 734 performs wired / wireless communication with the card reader 704. The interface 735 communicates with the electronic payment server 703 via the Internet 709.

  The electronic payment server 703 performs electronic payment such as a credit card or electronic money. “Electronic payment” means, for example, in the case of credit card payment, receipt of electronic payment information including payment amount and credit information (card number, expiration date, etc.), credit card authentication, security countermeasure processing, settlement of payment amount, payment This refers to notification of execution results. In the case of electronic money payment, reception of electronic payment information including payment amount and electronic money information (electronic money ID, balance, etc.), authentication of electronic money, security countermeasure processing, balance update processing, notification of payment execution results, etc. Point to.

  The card reader 704 reads data of a credit card or electronic money (hereinafter referred to as “electronic payment medium”) and outputs the data to the second printer 702B. Specifically, it corresponds to CAT and R / W. As for electronic money, not only a card-like medium but also a wireless IC for electronic money incorporated in a mobile phone or the like can be read.

  The customer display 705 displays information (product name, accounting amount, etc.) to be presented to the customer. The barcode scanner 706 reads a product barcode affixed or printed on the product. The cash drawer 707 is configured to store banknotes and money and open the drawer when the accounting process ends (in the case of cash settlement).

  Next, the software configuration of the POS system SY2 will be described with reference to FIG. The tablet terminal 1 is in a state where an OS 751 (Operating System) and a POS application 752 that operates on the OS 751 are installed as main software. The terminal control mechanism 711 in FIG. 1 mainly operates based on these software 751 and 752.

  The POS application 752 is an application that performs accounting processing and performs payment processing of an electronic payment medium. Here, “accounting processing” refers to acquisition of product information (product barcode, quantity, etc.), calculation of accounting amount, cash settlement, accounting receipt printing instruction, customer display 705 display instruction, cash drawer 707 opening instruction, etc. Point to. “Payment processing” refers to an electronic payment medium reading command, an electronic payment information transmission command to the electronic payment server 703, processing based on the payment execution result of the electronic payment server 703 (including retry processing), and the like.

  The POS application 752 is customized depending on the store. For example, the display format of the display screen displayed on the tablet terminal 701, the print format of the accounting receipt, the store logo printed on the accounting receipt, the display items on the customer display 705, and the like are customized.

  The first printer 702A is in a state in which an ePOS device 761 (control device) is incorporated. The printer control mechanism 721 in FIG. 7 mainly operates based on this.

  The ePOS device 761 generates device control objects corresponding to the peripheral devices 705, 706, 707 and the printer unit 722 based on a command from the POS application 752, and controls them. For example, based on a display command from the POS application 752, a control for displaying a product name or the like on the customer display 5, a control for transmitting a reading result of the barcode scanner 706 to the POS application 752, and a release command from the POS application 752 Control for opening the drawer of the cash drawer 707 and control for operating the printer unit 722 based on a print command from the POS application 752 are performed.

  The second printer 702B is in a state in which the ePOS device 771 and the electronic payment control module 772 are incorporated. The printer control mechanism 731 in FIG. 7 operates mainly based on these.

  The ePOS device 771 generates device control objects corresponding to the card reader 704 and the printer unit 732 based on a command from the POS application 752, and controls them. When the ePOS device 771 receives the payment processing start command from the POS application 752, the ePOS device 771 transfers this to the electronic payment control module 772.

  The electronic payment control module 772 is a module that controls the card reader 704. For example, when a payment processing start command is transferred from the ePOS device 771, the card reader 704 is made readable and waits for data reading by the card reader 704. It also supports multiple electronic payment media and absorbs the differences in their brands.

  The electronic payment control module 772 performs communication control with the electronic payment server 703. Specifically, electronic payment information including data read by the card reader 704 and the payment amount received from the POS application 752 is transmitted to the electronic payment server 703. Thereafter, when the electronic payment server 703 completes the payment normally, an LED (not shown) of the card reader 704 is turned on to display a card evacuation permission display, or a payment completion notification is sent to the POS application 752 via the ePOS device 771. Or control such as. If payment cannot be completed normally by the electronic payment server 703, an error is displayed by blinking the LED of the card reader 704, or an error is displayed on the POS application 752 via the ePOS device 771 (to the touch panel 712). Display) and control such as. In this way, when an electronic payment service is added or changed by incorporating an electronic payment module, the electronic payment control module 772 is replaced (without requiring replacement of the second printer 702B itself). can do.

  Next, the functional configuration of the POS system SY2 will be described with reference to FIG. The tablet terminal 701 includes a command generation unit 7110, a transmission destination setting unit (setting unit) 7120, a transmission destination storage unit (storage unit) 7130, and a communication unit 7140 as main functional configurations.

  The command generation unit 7110 includes a POS application 752, and generates a command for the tablet terminal 701 to be transmitted to the printers 702A and 702B. Specifically, the command generation unit 7110 makes a print command for printing an accounting receipt, a display command for displaying a payment processing result, an open command for opening a cash drawer 707, and a state in which the electronic payment medium can be read by the card reader 704. The payment processing start command to be transmitted and the electronic payment information transmission command to transmit the electronic payment information to the electronic payment server 703 are generated. The electronic payment information transmission command includes a payment amount and a payment method. The print command and the display command are generated based on the result of payment processing by cash payment in the case of cash payment, and from the second printer 702B in the case of electronic payment (credit card payment or electronic money payment). Generated based on the settlement processing result based on the settlement execution result of the received electronic settlement.

  The transmission destination setting unit 7120 sets the transmission destination in the command to the first printer 702A or the second printer 702B. The transmission destination storage unit 7130 stores a transmission destination for each command set by the transmission destination setting unit 7120. In the example of the present embodiment, the transmission destination setting unit 7120 sets the transmission destination of the print command, the display command, and the release command in the first printer 702A in advance, and sets the transmission destination of the payment processing start command and the electronic payment information transmission command. The second printer 702B is set and stored in the transmission destination storage unit 7130.

  The communication unit 7140 refers to the transmission destination storage unit 7130 and transmits the command generated by the command generation unit 7110 to the transmission destination set (determined) by the transmission destination setting unit 7120.

  The first printer 702A includes a display control unit 7150, a drawer control unit 7160, and a printing unit 7170 as main functional configurations. The display control unit 7150 controls the customer display 705 based on the display command, and causes the customer display 705 to perform display.

  The drawer control unit 7160 controls the cash drawer 707 based on the release command, and causes the cash drawer 707 to perform an opening operation. The printing unit 7170 performs printing based on the print command.

  The second printer 702B includes a first communication unit 7210, a second communication unit 7220, a reader control unit 7200, and an input unit 7230 as main functional configurations. Based on the electronic payment information transmission command, the first communication unit 7210 transmits the payment amount included therein and the input result of the input unit 7230 to the electronic payment server 703. Thereby, a settlement transaction with the electronic settlement server 703 is performed. The second communication unit 7220 transmits the processing result of the electronic payment server 703 to the tablet terminal 701.

  The reader control unit 7200 controls the card reader 704 based on the payment processing start command so that the card reader 704 can be read. The input unit 7230 inputs data read by the card reader 704.

  The electronic payment server 703 includes an electronic payment processing unit 7310 as a main functional configuration. The electronic payment processing unit 7310 performs processing related to the above-described “electronic payment”. The card reader 704 includes a reading unit 7410 as a main functional configuration. The reading unit 7410 reads data from an electronic payment medium by a magnetic reader or near field communication. That is, the credit information is read from the credit card, and the electronic money information is read from the electronic money medium.

  Next, the flow of accounting processing by the POS system SY2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the POS application 752 performs accounting processing (S010), the tablet terminal 701 determines whether or not the payment method is electronic payment (“credit” or “electronic money”) (S020).

  If it is determined that the payment method is not electronic payment (in the case of cash payment) (S020: No), the POS application 752 generates an opening command for the cash drawer 707 (S030), and uses the generated opening command as the first printer. It transmits to 702A (S040). In response to receiving the release command, the first printer 702A generates a device control object for the cash drawer 707 by the ePOS device 761 (S050), and opens the cash drawer 707 (S060). Thereby, cash settlement is performed.

  Thereafter, the POS application 752 generates a display command based on the settlement processing result by cash settlement (S070), and transmits the generated display command to the first printer 702A (S080). Upon receipt of the display command, the first printer 702A generates a device control object for the customer display 705 by the ePOS device 761 (S090), and displays the settlement processing result on the customer display 705 (S100).

  Thereafter, the POS application 752 generates a print command based on the payment processing result by cash settlement (S110), and transmits the generated print command to the first printer 702A (S120). In response to the reception of the print command, the first printer 702A generates a device control object for the printer unit 722 by the ePOS device 761 (S130), and prints an accounting receipt (S140). Thereby, this accounting process is completed.

  On the other hand, returning to S2, if it is determined that the payment method is electronic payment (S020: Yes), the POS application 752 generates a payment processing start command (S160), and the generated payment processing start command is sent to the second printer. It transmits to 702B (S170). The second printer 702B generates a device control object of the card reader 704 by the ePOS device 771 in response to reception of the payment processing start command (S180). When the device control object of the card reader 704 is generated by the second printer 702B, the card reader 704 becomes usable and reads the electronic payment medium (S190).

  The POS application 752 generates an electronic payment information transmission command including the payment amount and the payment method (S200), and transmits the generated electronic payment information transmission command to the second printer 702B (S21). In response to the electronic payment information transmission command, the second printer 702B transmits electronic payment information including the read result of the electronic payment medium and the payment amount to the electronic payment server 3 corresponding to the payment method (S220), and the electronic payment server A settlement execution result (settlement OK / settlement NG) is received from 703 (S230). The received settlement execution result is transmitted to the tablet terminal 701 (S240).

  On the other hand, the POS application 752 generates a payment processing result based on the payment execution result received from the electronic payment server 703 (S250). Thereafter, a display command is generated based on the generated settlement processing result (S260), and the generated display command is transmitted to the first printer 702A (S270). The first printer 702A receives the display command, and A device control object of the customer display 705 is generated by the ePOS device 761 (S280), and the settlement processing result is displayed on the customer display 705 (S29).

  The POS application 752 generates a print command based on the generated settlement processing result (S30), and transmits the generated print command to the first printer 702A (S310). In response to the reception of the print command, the first printer 702A generates a device control object for the printer unit 722 by the ePOS device 761 (S320), and prints an accounting receipt (S330). This ends the accounting process.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the transmission destination is set to the first printer 702A or the second printer 702B in the command, the transmission destination is not designated every time the command is generated. The command can be sent to the printers 702A and 702B suitable for the content (function) of the command. Accordingly, it is possible to use a device (including the card reader 704 connected to the second printer 702B) connected to two or more control devices at one terminal without requiring significant modification of the POS application 752. it can.

  According to the second embodiment, when a plurality of tablet terminals 701 are used, the electronic payment transaction function of the second printer 702B can be shared by the plurality of tablet terminals 701. For this reason, the electronic payment function is not frequently used, and a case where the electronic payment function is introduced into one printer among a plurality of printers can be suitably handled.

  In the second embodiment, the command destination setting by the destination setting unit 7120 may be set by a user operation on the tablet terminal 701, or the tablet terminal 701 is connected to the printers 702A and 702B. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that information on peripheral devices (devices) is acquired and set based on the information.

  In the second embodiment, the “control device” of the present invention is realized by the printers 702A and 702B, but is realized by a relay device that can be connected to the printers 702A and 702B or an interface board that can be attached to and detached from the printers 702A and 702B. Also good. In this case, the printer control mechanisms 721 and 731 and the interfaces 723, 724, 733, 734 and 735 shown in FIG. 7, the ePOS devices 761 and 771 and the electronic payment control module 772 shown in FIG. 8, and the display control shown in FIG. The unit 7150, the drawer control unit 7160, the first communication unit 7210, the second communication unit 7220, the reader control unit 7200, and the input unit 7230 are provided in the relay device or the interface board.

  In the second embodiment, the tablet terminal 701 is controlled using a native application, but may be controlled using a Web application. In this case, the POS application 752 is provided in a server on the Internet, and the OS 751 is unnecessary.

  Further, each component of the POS system SY2 shown above can be provided as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). That is, a program for causing a computer to function as each component of the POS system SY2 and a recording medium on which the program is recorded are also included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

  In the second embodiment, the “terminal” of the present invention is applied to the tablet terminal 701, but may be applied to other information processing terminals. Further, although the “control device” of the present invention is applied to the printers 702A and 702B, it may be applied to a POS peripheral device (for example, a customer display 705) other than the printers 702A and 702B. Other modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the present invention is useful in the case where a POS application is realized without significant modification when adding or changing a payment function including an electronic payment function to the POS system. This is suitable when adding payment functions such as functions.

  1: tablet terminal, 2: printer, 3a: first electronic payment server, 3b: second electronic payment server, 4a: CAT, 4b: R / W, 5: customer display, 6: barcode scanner, 7: cash drawer 11: Terminal control mechanism, 12: Touch panel, 21: Printer control mechanism, 22: Printer unit, 51: OS, 52: POS application, 53a: First payment application, 53b: Second payment application, 61: ePOS device, 62: electronic payment control module, 110: first operation unit, 120: second operation unit, 130: third operation unit, 140: selection unit, 150: storage unit, 160: transmission / reception unit, 210: first communication unit, 220: second communication unit, 230: printing unit, NW: network, SY1: POS system, 7 1: tablet terminal, 702A: first printer, 702B: second printer, 704: card reader, 7110: command generation unit, 7120: transmission destination setting unit, 7130: transmission destination storage unit, 7140: communication unit, 7170: printing Department, SY2: POS system.

Claims (9)

An operating unit that operates a POS application that performs accounting processing and a first application that is disposed at a first address and performs first settlement processing;
A storage unit for storing the first address;
A transmission unit that transmits the accounting processing result of the POS application to the first address;
A POS terminal characterized by comprising: The operation unit operates a second application that is arranged at a second address and performs a second settlement process different from the first application,
The storage unit stores the second address,
2. The POS terminal according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the accounting processing result of the POS application to the first address or the second address. The first application and the second application perform a payment process related to electronic payment,
The POS terminal according to claim 2, wherein the first application transmits data to a first electronic payment server, and the second application transmits data to a second electronic payment server. A selection unit for selecting the first settlement process or the second settlement process;
The POS terminal according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the transmission unit transmits a settlement result of the POS application to the first address or the second address according to a selection result of the selection unit. The first settlement process performed by the first application is a credit card settlement process,
The POS terminal according to claim 2, wherein the second settlement process performed by the second application is a settlement process using electronic money. An operation unit that operates a POS application that performs accounting processing and a first application that is disposed at a first address and performs a first settlement process, a storage unit that stores the first address, and an operation unit that operates A POS terminal having a transmission unit that transmits the settlement result of the POS application to the first address;
A device to read information,
A control device connected to the device and the POS terminal;
A first electronic payment server connected to the control device and receiving data based on the first payment processing in the first application via the control device;
A POS system comprising: The operation unit operates a second application that is disposed at a second address and performs a second settlement process different from the first application,
The storage unit stores the second address,
The transmission unit transmits a settlement result of the POS application operated by the operation unit to the first address or the second address,
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a second electronic payment server that is connected to the control device and receives data based on the second payment processing in the second application via the control device. The POS system described. Operate the POS application for accounting,
The accounting processing result of the POS application is transmitted to the first address where the first application is arranged,
A POS terminal control method, wherein a first settlement process is performed by the first application when an accounting process result of the POS application is transmitted to the first address. Sending the accounting result of the POS application to a second address where the second application is located;
The POS terminal control method according to claim 8, wherein when the accounting processing result of the POS application is transmitted to the second address, the second settlement process is performed by the second application.

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